Travel

Russian architect designs tower shaped like a cobra

Russian architect designs skyscraper tower shaped like a cobra

Snake skyscraper intended to have 'nightclub or restaurant' in its head

Designer hopes to entice developers in Asia or the Middle East

A Russian architect has designed a skyscraper shaped like a cobra, predicting that his snake-like tower to be built in a prominent Middle Eastern city.

The majestic design features a round base to appear like a serpent's body, as well as an open-mouthed head, set to house a terraced 'restaurant or nightclub'.

The aptly named 'Asian Cobra Tower' has been designed by Monaco-based architect Vasily Klyukin, from Moscow.

The businessman and former banker claims his work is 'predicting the future', and his past creations have included yachts with detachable jets.

The designer believes his snake tower would most likely entice developers in cities in the Middle East and Asia, where snakes are reportedly seen as a sign of wisdom.

'In Japan telling someone that he is a snake means a compliment. In China snakes and dragons often mean the same,' Mr Klyukin explains.

Included in the designs for the black and gold snake are changeable lights that run right up the structure, and a diamond pattern on the back to reflect Ying and Yang.

Mr Klyukin said: 'These buildings rise up proudly in columns looking over cities or stand alone in the landscape.

'Either way, skyscrapers grab our attention and awaken our consciousness, inspiring some and irritating others.

'These rising towers have changed cityscapes around the world and have become the clearest reflection of cultural and economic progress in the twentieth century.

'At times, it is skyscrapers that dictate the style of business regions and even whole cities.

'Tourists, fascinated, would look at this immense cobra, its jaws serving a terrace would be a restaurant or a night club and its body could contain offices or apartments.

Travel stories of the week

On Wednesday a settlement was reached with French, Italian and Swedish authorities for booking.com. It will free up hotels to charge cheaper prices through other online travel agents. First indications are that this is good for competing OTAs, bad for hotels. Two things are important here:

The cheaper rates can’t be offered through the hotel website

Other markets may soon follow suit in opening up parity

Head to Hotels News Now to find out what this means for hotels in the longer term.

THE CASE FOR BOOKING DIRECT IS GETTING STRONGER

So says Brian Hicks, InterContinental Hotel Group’s VP for Revenue Management for Europe and AMEA. There is little transparency around pricing and according to Hicks, there is much to be done about educating consumers. Tnooz is where you’ll get the lowdown and this is something we’ll be keeping a close eye on over the coming months.

SELFIE SATISFACTION?

According to a Future Foundation report, ‘appetite will be ravenous for moments of shareable wish-fulfillment’. In plain speak: we go on trips that will give us the best selfies. Hotels need to be made for sharing and so if you’re looking for practical tips, read our post on how selfie sticks sell hotel rooms.

WE HIT A SIX!

This one’s for the cricket and booking engine fans out there. Perhaps a small market. This week we announced our partnership with six of the biggest booking engines out there. All of our partners can be found here.